Author's Note: Apologies for this chapter being so short, but the next one will be worth the wait I promise. Thanks so much to everyone for the continued support. So enjoy, this little filler chapter sort of done to move the story alone.

Chapter 10 – Promises to Keep

The view was spectacular, the skyline so hauntingly familiar yet so vastly different from his own time. Blue eyes closed wistfully as wind ruffled blond locks, carrying the distant noises of the city below.

"We ready Pep?" the familiar voice asked nearby. Reopening his eyes Steve turned to the man behind him.

Tony was couched before a complex looking bunch of wires and circuits as he talked to his CEO via the device in his ear.

The man from the past smiled fondly moving closer, the big figure still clad in full combat gear, looked more like he was diffusing a bomb rather then ushering in a new era. Steve was still a little fuzzy on the details, as Tony had explained to him very quickly what it was he had created. Form what he had gathered though; Tony Stark was about to revolutionize the energy business. And while he may not have understood the finer points, the enthusiasm was catching.

"Ready Steve?" he asked, husky voice cutting through his thoughts.

The other gave him a grin, "Let's see this future you promised." Tony gave him a small sharp salute, followed by a few more adjustments before he moved to stand beside the blond. Worrying chapped lips as he waited.

All was silent and still so far above the city for a along moment; before a distant hum began to grow louder. Steve sure he could feel the building begin to shudder beneath his feet. Shocked and a little awed he looked down. It was as if the tower was coming to life.

Tony wanted to jump in excitement, as he fancied he could hear the click as his name lit up the side of the building. "We are hot," Pepper voiced excitedly in his ear.

"Oh ra!" Tony yelled rounding on Steve.

Captain America looking suitably impressed. "You did it Tony," he whispered awed.

High on the rush Tony stepped closer crowding into the blond's space, forcing that strong chin to tip slightly to look at him. "Thanks to you," he whispered, seconds before he was kissing him.

Rough lips met smooth, and for a split second it seemed as if the world froze.

Steve stunned felt the heat suffuse his face, the rasp of Tony's beard, his smell…outdoors, sulfur, and a hit of something more. It cocooned him...making him light headed and giddy.

Then big arms were around him pulling him close; Steve submitted willingly.

Tony couldn't believe it. He was kissing Captain America.

It had to be the greatest day of his life. And when Steve melted into him, strong arms wrapping around his neck, fingers tangling in his hair Tony Stark knew he was lost. Somehow, someway this man from the past and firmly situated himself in his heart, lodged in his ruined chest…and he knew he wasn't going to leave.

Tony wasn't sure how long they stood there locked in the tight embrace, oblivious to all around them. Nor was he sure how much longer they would have gone on if not for the persistent buzz of JARVIS in his ear.

"Sir, Agent Coulson is on the phone," groaning into Steve's well kiss mouth he pulled back ever so slightly, taking a dreamy moment to appreciate flushed cheeks, and swollen lips.

"We're not here at he moment JARVIS," he said before unable to resist, he was kissing the super solider again.

"He's most insistent Sir…"

Moving his lips to kiss along the stubble jaw of Steve, Tony mouthed his words against the strong neck, "Dammit JARVIS we just got back what the hell is so important?"

Steve moaned pulling away from reluctantly Tony, "What's going on?" He breathed, pressing a kiss to the older man's temple.

Grumbling Tony hugged him tighter burying his nose in the juncture of his neck. "Coulson is here to spoil my fun," he grumped.

Just as he spoke the words they heard an all too familiar voice, "Stark, Rogers you here?" Tony was seriously contemplating throwing the Agent off the building.

Steve disentangled from the embrace with an apologetic peck before moving to meet the man. "Up here Phil," he called.

Tony followed furiously, "Since when is he Phil…he's Agent…" he growled more then a little irritated. Cockblocked by fucking Agent Coulson

They met the man halfway across the roof, the Agent looking far grimmer then usual. Tony frowned something big must be up.

"What's going on?" he asked shortly, automatically falling into mission mode.

Coulson looked at both of them gravely, "We need you back on base, Hawkeye's been compromised."

-#-#-#-

Agent Coulson refused to divulge anymore until they had reached base. Tony only able to mange his composure through sheer will; but the words echoing hollowly in his head.

Compromised.

He'd formed a rather close bond with the archer. Clint was in your face, honest, and one of the most loyal men he'd ever met. He wanted answers, and then he wanted to break the bastard's arms responsible.

Exiting the SUV they hurried inside the unusually quite building, only to waylaid by a familiar face.

"Rhodey?" Tony gaped bewildered. What the hell was going on here? Turning to Coulson suspiciously his confusion grew as the suited man shrugged. Steve regarded him curiously.

"Tony, I need to speak with you immediately."

Nodding absently Tony turned to his friend, "Sure thing I just need to-"

James cut him off, "I'm under orders Colonel Stark," he said formally.

Freezing frustrated, Tony clenched and unclenched his fists wanting to hit something…hard. Gritting his teeth, he came to attention saluting formally, "Sir."

"Follow me," Rhodes said shortly striding away. Tony cast Steve an apologetic look before hurrying after, wondering what the hell trouble he'd managed to get into now.

James led them into a darkened, empty room, closing the door behind them as they stepped in. Away from curious eyes Tony dropped the charade letting his frustration and annoyance show. "What the hell is going on James?" he hissed stepping closer to the shorter man.

The Airman didn't back down, "You've been reassigned." His words were short, clipped, and completely direct. The stunned silence between them suddenly thick and tension filled.

"What?" Tony asked softly, his tone belaying the rising welter of emotions in his ruined chest.

"SHIELD is in the middle of a gigantic cluster fuck and the military wants no part of it. You're being sent back to your unit."

Tony Stark stiffened, "But my medical-"

Rhodes gave him a carefully neutral look, "Apparently you need not worry about it. Your orders are to be on the transport by 2230."

Tony looked at his watch in a sort of confused haze; that was an hour from now.

"That's all Colonel Stark, dismissed."

Disbelief and anger warred in his head. Slowly he turned, heading out of the room before Rhodes voice stalled him. "Tony…for what its worth…I'm sorry," he said softly.

Dazed he the big man wandered into the hall, feeling like his world was spinning out of control. Something terrible was coming. Something big and gnarly was rearing its ugly head, and he was being reassigned.

His place was beside Steve, protecting his back. And they were sending him away.

Frustrated, angry, and heart broken he finally gave into that destructive compulsion. Turning he put his big fist right through the wall. The sudden flare of pain in his hand and wrist was sweet agony. Pain he could deal with, it gave him something to focus on.

He clenched and unclenched his fingers. Frowning as agony ripped through them, one finger at a particularly bad angle. Expressionless he snapping it into place, his knuckles split and bleeding. Perversely satisfied he stepped away from the hole sagging against the other wall. Running a frustrated hand through his hair as he slid to the ground his mind churning and moving.

He just wanted to…sighing he banged his head on the hard surface behind him. He was suddenly very tired, exhausted, and feeling so incredibly old. No that wasn't right…he was feeling defeated.

Tony didn't know how long he sat there feeling sorry for himself, anger seeping from him, slowly replaced by something new.

He'd never given up a day in his life, not when his old man died, not in that damned cave in Afghanistan… not when the doctors told him the diagnosis.

He wasn't going to quit now.

A sudden blond vision popped into his head. Determined he picked himself up, setting his shoulders he headed for his room to pack…and Steve…

"I have promises to keep," he muttered striding off down the hall, "And miles to go before I sleep."